National News

Trust in GRN labour policies is fading
30 Oct

Trust in GRN labour policies is fading

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Stefanus Nashama Workers are increasingly turning to social justice activists for help with labour-related issues, citing frustration with the policies of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. Sakaria Johannes, a political analyst, said the government system has many flaws and is riddled with many loopholes that make resolving labour disputes ineffective. Johannes shared this with the Windhoek Observer this week. “Sometimes, those who are at the top are the cause of labour issues, which make it easy for them to manipulate the system,” he said. Johannes added that many workers are reluctant to report labour problems for…
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Political analysts call out MPs over parliament absenteeism
30 Oct

Political analysts call out MPs over parliament absenteeism

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Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts Rui Tyitende and Joseph Diescho have raised concerns over the absenteeism of Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of neglecting their constitutional responsibilities at the expense of taxpayers. Their remarks followed parliament’s failure to convene a quorum two days in a row for the review of the mid-year budget. Tyitende said the MPs are paid to execute their duties in the National Assembly, yet fail to show up. “The existing legal framework governing absence without leave should be reviewed so that punitive measures are imposed on dishonourable MPs who fail to show up without a valid…
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CoW commits to Groot Aub’s development
30 Oct

CoW commits to Groot Aub’s development

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) has denied claims that its involvement in Groot Aub is counterproductive because the city remains dedicated to ensuring the development of the settlement by providing all the basic services to the community. The city said this in a statement issued on Wednesday while responding to an article by a local daily that highlighted issues raised by local farmers in the Groot Aub vicinity, which is part of Windhoek's rural areas. CoW public relations officer Lydia Amutenya said a socio-economic survey conducted by the Khomas Regional Council in 2009, and a follow-up survey by…
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Namibia eyes BRICS benefits through ties with South Africa
30 Oct

Namibia eyes BRICS benefits through ties with South Africa

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Niël Terblanché A strategic alignment with BRICS could be a vital step in Namibia’s aspirations to contribute to a multipolar global economy, particularly in sustainable and green energy sectors. During a working visit to South Africa on Tuesday, President Nangolo Mbumba engaged in discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa on the potential advantages Namibia could harness from the BRICS bloc, with South Africa being a founding member. The talks, held in Cape Town, reiterated Namibia’s close economic relationship with South Africa, focusing on enhanced trade, energy collaboration, and new investments stemming from BRICS developments. The leaders explored the outcomes of the…
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GRN springs into action to repair roads in Etosha
30 Oct

GRN springs into action to repair roads in Etosha

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Niël Terblanché Tour operators and tourists alike have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the deteriorating condition of roads in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the country’s top tourist destination. A prominent tour operator, Rohl’s Tours and Safaris has taken a stand, announcing that it will cease operations within the park on 1 December. It cites severely degraded road conditions that cause extensive wear and tear on its vehicles. This decision reflects a growing sentiment among tour operators who see the road conditions as not only impacting their businesses but also tarnishing Namibia's reputation in the global tourism market. “The people…
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New divorce law criminalises publication of case details
29 Oct

New divorce law criminalises publication of case details

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia's newly introduced Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) now makes it a crime to publish details of divorce cases, with only a few exceptions. Gazetted on 24 October, the Act allows publication only for legal research, law reports, or when the court specifically grants permission. It is unclear whether the media is also restricted from reporting on these cases. The law is aimed at reducing the trauma associated with divorce, particularly for the individuals involved and their children. It encourages a "do-it-yourself" method for divorce proceedings, promoting privacy and easing the emotional burden…
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IPPR demands transparency on escalating ballot printing cost
29 Oct

IPPR demands transparency on escalating ballot printing cost

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Allexer Namundjembo The Institute for Public Policy Research Research (IPPR) associate Frederico Links has said the ECN should provide clarity on the costs of the contract for ballot paper printing. At the IPPR procurement tracker unveiling on Tuesday, Links said the cost escalation from what had been estimated to the eventual costs that will be paid is questionable. He said ECN, in a statement issued on 18 October, denied allegations of corruption regarding the award of the tender to South African printing company Ren-Form CC. He said the ECN said the total cost of the contract is N$6.2 million, which…
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Absent MPs stalls mid-year budget review again
29 Oct

Absent MPs stalls mid-year budget review again

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Allexer Namundjembo The much-anticipated midterm budget review has been delayed once more as National Assembly Speaker, Professor Peter Katjavivi had to adjourn Tuesday’s parliamentary session due to a lack of quorum. This is the second consecutive adjournment after Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo postponed Monday's sitting for the same reason. Only 47 members were present, along with three non-voting members of parliament, for the session, falling short of the quorum required to proceed. Political analyst Graham Hopwood explained that coordination between party whips and the Speaker's office is essential to ensuring the smooth functioning of the National Assembly. “Members of parliament…
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29 Oct

Burial without order criminalised under civil registration bill

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Under the newly passed Civil Registration and Identification Bill of 2024, families must apply for a burial order at least three days before laying their loved ones to rest, or risk facing criminal charges. The bill, approved by Parliament this year, outlines strict procedures for burials and identity management after death. “The Bill creates an offence for persons who fail to notify the relevant authorities of the burial of a body without a burial order as required under clause 34(1) and for persons who take receipt of a body from any person other than a hospital or police…
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Release of census report not influenced by external sources
29 Oct

Release of census report not influenced by external sources

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Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) says the release of the main 2023 population and housing census report was never influenced by external sources. The NSA stated that the report would be released in accordance with the laws governing the release of official statistics. Alex Shimuafeni, Namibia’s statistician-general, announced this in Windhoek on Tuesday. The NSA is expected to launch the main report on Wednesday, 30 October. Shimuafeni said the dissemination of such information is impartial and all stakeholders will receive information at the same time. “The NSA would like to inform the nation that this dissemination of tomorrow…
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